Empowering Indigenous Business and entrepreneurs to thrive in the NT

The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) launched the Indigenous Business & Employment Hub last week in Darwin. The Hubs provide support and a place to work for Indigenous entrepreneurs, established businesses and jobseekers on their journey to become long-term and sustainable enterprises.

Jerome Cubillo, CEO of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) wants to see Indigenous business thrive.

‘When we empower Indigenous people to have economic independence, we create real autonomy and see real changes, it has a flow on effect.’

The Darwin Indigenous Business & Employment Hub launched last week is an important step to realising Mr Cubillo’s vision.

The Hub will provide support and a place to work for Indigenous entrepreneurs, established businesses and jobseekers on their journey to become long-term and sustainable enterprises.

‘To actually have a place that is our own, that we can come to, have access, see service providers, get advice, use the phone.

You don’t have to run around town to see ten different people, you can come to one place,’ Jerome explained.

The Hub provides wrap-around business support including mentorship, business advice and training and also facilitates access to financial services. All in a culturally safe and inclusive space to inspire, support and grow Indigenous business across the NT.

‘For us it’s about supporting and enabling our businesses, connecting mob with mob in the sector to support them to have someone with whom they don’t have to worry about those cultural nuances, they understand,’ he said.

Melissa Cole started bath and body products business Yaye in 2021, with no support or place to work from. It wasn’t easy.

‘It was hard, I’m a teacher, an educator working in Aboriginal education for 30 years. I don’t have a business background so it has been a steep learning journey. I’ve had to learn a lot and I’m still learning every day.’

Melissa has been using the Hub since it opened, ‘it’s beneficial for me, I have a fulltime job, I needed a space so I could focus on my business, with support from the Hub team, having that space close to me makes everything much easier.

From an industry perspective it looks more professional, you are taken more seriously. It provides a space for us to answer business opportunities engage with the Industry and grow the Blak economy.’

Jerome Cubillo wants people to dream big, he sees the Hub as one part of a system that will support Indigenous people to unlock their economic independence.

‘The hub will bring commercial acumen and understanding that helps create real jobs on Country – a real income that sees and supports the next generation. Enabling us to make more future-focused decisions, create intergenerational wealth, see us break stereotypes and thrive.’

The NTIBN Indigenous Business & Employment Hubs are located in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine.